At Forward Edge, our story is more than 40 years in the making. It’s a tapestry of lives transformed, faith in action, and a mission shaped by prayerful listening to God’s call. Today, we want to take you behind the scenes and into the why behind every word of our Vision and Mission Statements—because every phrase was chosen with care, prayer, and purpose.
Our mission and vision aren’t just statements on paper. They’re the foundation for everything we do, pointing us—and everyone who partners with us—toward God’s heart for transformation. Here’s what each word truly means, and why it matters for every child, family, and supporter in the Forward Edge Family.
“Our vision is to see people around the world overcome spiritual and material poverty through Jesus Christ.”
People:
We chose “people” because our vision includes everyone touched by Forward Edge—not just children in our programs, but their families, staff, volunteers, donors, and mission team members. Every person matters, and every life has God-given worth and purpose.
Around the world:
Our hope is for global impact. Forward Edge works in several countries, and our heart is for transformation to reach every culture, every community—including our own.
Overcome spiritual and material poverty:
Poverty is more than physical need; it’s also spiritual. Jesus taught that true transformation starts in the heart (see Matthew 5:3). That’s why we care for both material and spiritual needs—helping children and families move beyond survival to flourishing.
Overcome:
We chose “overcome” because it speaks to hope and resilience. Even if poverty isn’t completely erased, through Christ, it doesn’t have to hold someone back from joy or purpose (see John 16:33).
Through Jesus Christ:
Transformation starts and ends with Jesus. Every gift, every act of service, every changed life points back to Him as the source of hope and the author of every good story (James 1:17).
“Our mission is to transform the lives of children trapped in poverty through Christ-centered, holistic care.”
Children:
God has led us to focus on children, because reaching them transforms generations. Our mission is about empowering children to step into their God-given future.
Transform:
We’re not about quick fixes or surface change. We invest for the long haul—helping children experience growth in every area of life: education, faith, health, dreams, and character.
Trapped in poverty:
“Trapped” acknowledges the hard reality children face—born into circumstances they didn’t choose, unable to break free alone. Our mission is to come alongside, break cycles, and open new possibilities.
Christ-centered:
Jesus is at the heart of everything we do. Our programs share His love in both word and deed, and every child is encouraged to discover their identity in Him.
Holistic care:
We care for the whole child—mind, body, and spirit. That means meals, education, medical care, emotional support, and spiritual discipleship. Our aim: children who are healthy, confident, and ready to fulfill God’s purpose for their lives.
At Forward Edge, we put this vision and mission into action through three distinctives:
Pearl Partners: Local leaders, rooted in their own communities, guide and grow every program—making change personal and lasting.
Mission Teams: We invite others to serve, learn, and grow alongside our international partners, building lifelong relationships.
Child Sponsorship: We connect supporters with real children, creating opportunities for dignity, hope, and transformation on both sides.
Every word in our mission and vision was chosen to reflect God’s call and the kind of transformation we long to see in the world. Thank you for joining us on this journey—because together, we’re making a difference that lasts for generations.
2025 was filled with moments that reminded us why every story matters. From clean water in Uganda to a young woman’s graduation in Mexico, each glimpse reflects the hope God is building through our Forward Edge Family. Read on for just a few of the lives changed this year—thanks to your faithful support and partnership.
When I introduce new people to Forward Edge, I’ll often describe what we do this way: we help children around the world overcome poverty, discover their true worth, and pursue God’s extraordinary purpose for their lives. I believe these three descriptors are distinct and important. Let me explain a little
Photography is more than just a way to document your mission trip—it’s a bridge to connection, a chance to honor the stories of those you encounter. As you step into communities, camera in hand, pause to reflect. Are you capturing moments with care and respect? Are your photos fostering dignity rather than reducing people to subjects?
In his book, “Empowering Children”, former Forward Edge board member, Dr. Ravi Jayakaran, shares the importance of involving children in the process of their own development. When a community invests its resources in its children, it invests in its own future. Just as Forward Edge values all children and believes
10 yrs. old
Entered the program: March 2025
Nicholas lives with his parents and 3 siblings in a three-room bungalow-style house with no electricity. For lighting, they have a two-bulb solar panel which also charges cell phones. Nicholas shares a bed with his older brother. The family cooks with wood in a semi-constructed outdoor kitchen which is covered with an iron sheet. Water is fetched from a communal borehole and boiled for drinking. They use an outdoor latrine.
The family raises a few hens and pigs to help with food. Nicholas’s parents both used to work to provide for the family but his mother is now critically ill and his father is the primary provider and caretaker.
Plus bonus group fundraising ideas!
